emmac
Junior Member
Posts: 60 
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Post by emmac on Aug 11, 2014 17:55:12 GMT
i'm so excited but no idea what it is...  |
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Post by edenwildfood on Aug 11, 2014 18:09:13 GMT
weird one, rose family by look of it, has the look of the Aronia genus ive seen in the USA. But actually the leaves are so typical apple they may just be a very small crab apple species.
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emmac
Junior Member
Posts: 60
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Post by emmac on Aug 11, 2014 19:19:24 GMT
weird one, rose family by look of it, has the look of the Aronia genus ive seen in the USA. But actually the leaves are so typical apple they may just be a very small crab apple species. hmm. yeah, did have a taste of crab apple but didn't realise there were different varieties. |
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Post by edenwildfood on Aug 11, 2014 20:04:50 GMT
god yeah theres loads of varieties from the very small to the egg sort of sized, lots of types planted for ornamental purposes, my grandad said they made the best wine he ever produced.
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emmac
Junior Member
Posts: 60
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Post by emmac on Aug 12, 2014 7:26:17 GMT
cool! I sent to Monica and Mark to see if they've come across it. Will go back to harvest once they've ripened a bit  |
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Post by hoppy63 on Aug 15, 2014 20:03:32 GMT
It's definately a crab apple. Looks like one of the types originally from central Asia. These mostly have small cherry sized fruits. Lots of types/hybrids available. Another feature of these Asiatic species is that the calyx on the end of the fruit (five small green lobes) completely drops off leaving a small bowl-like depression on the end of the fruit which you can see here.
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Post by herbwise on Aug 25, 2014 12:38:51 GMT
Handy tidbit--crab apples are a great source of pectin. They are loaded with it. I love to use them as the thickener for jellies and jams. Plus crab apple always lends a nice neutral, supporting flavor to whatever other fruit you are using to make a preserve (and extends the batch), plus adds a bit of acid which is welcome to cut the sweetness.
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Post by Brewforagegrow on Aug 26, 2014 9:51:40 GMT
They also make a decent wine and a lovely infusion.
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